Hoyer Statement on 63rd Anniversary of D-Day

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day invasion:

"Sixty-three years ago today, more than 150,000 Allied forces set out in the early morning darkness to retake Europe from the Nazi occupation. Coordinating an attack of this size by land, by air, and by sea took extensive planning and unprecedented cooperation between Allied nations. Young men from all walks of life banded together to fight for a common cause. And in so doing, they created a turning point in World War II, and changed the course of history.

"The landing of Allied forces on five beaches in Normandy, France, brought hope to an entire continent. They faced what seemed to be impossible odds, but their courage and devotion to duty ensured that freedom would return to Europe.

"Today, we salute the brave veterans of the D-Day invasion, whose tremendous courage remains an inspiration to us still. We also honor and pay tribute to the 4,900 Allied forces who gave their lives to bring an end to tyranny. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."